What are REAP grants?

To help increase American energy independence, the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), administered by the USDA, provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. There are three types of funding available: Loan guarantees on loans up to 75 percent of total eligible project costs Grants for up to 50 percent of total eligible project costs Combined grant and loan guarantee funding up to 75% of total eligible project costs Renewable energy system grants can be anywhere from $2,500 to $1 million, and energy efficiency grants can range from $1,500 to $500,000. It is important to note that only non-residential costs are eligible to be reimbursed . For example, the electrical service for a farm property serves the agricultural side of things and the residence. Even though the costs are in one utility bill, you can only report the costs from your agricultural and business operations.

Who is eligible for REAP grants?

Agricultural producers with at least 50% of their gross income coming from agricultural operations and rural small businesses can apply for the program. If you are not sure if you qualify as a small business, you can search by your NACIS code . Once you have verified you are a small business, you can check whether or not you are in a rural area . Projects must be in rural areas with populations of 50,000 or less.

When do I apply for REAP grants?

APPLY BEFORE YOU BUY You should apply for REAP funding after you determine project design and cost but before you have spent money on equipment or contracts . Any costs prior to your application are not eligible for REAP reimbursement. Before applying, you should do the following: Gather financial information for the last three years Work with your preferred solar installer to complete your design Get quotes for work that needs to be performed Gather spec sheets of all major equipment Research your required permits Contact your utility if you need an interconnection agreement or Power Purchase Agreement . USDA accepts applications year-round. The application windows for 2024 are March 31, June 30 and September 30. To apply for REAP, you must have a Dun & Bradstreet (D-U-N-S) number, pre-register with the System for Award Management (SAM) , and have a Unique Entity ID. Registration costs nothing, but it can take a month or more, so take care of it as soon as possible. If you are already registered with SAM and have a Unique Entity ID, just make sure your registration is active.

How do I apply for REAP grants?

There are three application forms, and which one you use depends on the project size (not the grant size requested). To find these forms, visit the REAP website , choose your state and click the tab that says “To Apply.” You will find instructions for completing each application and the applications themselves. These are the application forms you should use depending on your total project cost: Under $80K: 4280-3A $80K to $200K : 4280-3B Over $200K: 4280-3C Many people utilize consultants and grant writers to complete the necessary paperwork. Under the “To Apply” tab, you will find a list of energy auditors, consultants and grant writers in the state you selected.

Who should I apply for REAP?

Would you like to reduce the capital expenditure you have to make? If your project is a renewable energy system that produces zero greenhouse gas emissions ( solar PV is zero emissions! ), you are eligible for a 50% grant. It’s not just solar. Energy efficiency improvements also qualify for a 50% grant. For example, one of our customers is an agricultural operation that uses the ingredients they grow to make and package different sauces from their farm. Because it is an energy efficiency expense for their business, they were able to finance part of their kitchen and packaging operation with REAP grant money.

Simplify solar installs with the k2 systems cross rail micro inverter and optimizer mounting kit

October 17, 2024
Best Practices
Solar Energy

Have you ever noticed the smallest details can make or break your solar installation? The K2 Systems Cross Rail Micro Inverter and Optimizer Mounting Kit has been specifically created to minimize frustration when mounting your MLPE to the rail. The new design eliminates all washers and uses a UL-listed and approved single bonding bolt. From the secure fit, easy installation, and bonus benefits – you can trust that this bolt has been carefully crafted with the installer’s experience in mind.

HOW TO INSTALL THE K2 CROSSRAIL MLPE BOLT

Simply take your index finger and thumb to pinch the flaps, insert the bolt into the rail and turn clockwise. The bolt will slide freely, allowing you to install it wherever you want. You can pull the bolt completely out and the base will stay in place. You can also have multiple bolts loosely installed, which will stay in place on the rail even when using an impact driver.

BENEFITS OF THE K2 CROSSRAIL MLPE BOLT

The K2 Systems Cross Rail Micro Inverter and Optimizer Mounting Kit also provides a way to secure the wire into the rail – simply push the wires below the mounting kit bolt to the bottom of the rail. The wires will move freely under the bolt, but will be secure within the rail. The MLPE bolt can handle both thin and thick micro inverter frames with no issues.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SOLAR INSTALLER SERVICES AND SOLUTIONS

To learn more about this product, or any other solar services or solutions featured at Van Meter, contact us or call 1-800-247-1410.

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Top Four Ways The K2 Systems Tool-Less Rail Connector Can Help Solar Installers Save Time

December 12 , 2024
Best Practices
Solar Energy

When researching the best solar racking and mounting system, is a quick and easy installation at the top of your list? You are not alone. For installers, details like rail connectors can make or break the time spent on the jobsite. Knowing that, K2 Systems engineered a rail connector for their CrossRail System specifically designed for convenience and efficiency. The Tool-less Rail Connector uses a simple slide-in technology for connecting rails. And as the name implies, there’s no need for tools!

How To Modify Your Hoymiles Grid Profile Settings

November 12 , 2024
Best Practices
Solar Energy

Many steps are involved when installing solar: assessing the site, obtaining permits, choosing the right panels and inverters and properly mounting and wiring the system. It‘s also crucial that the system is designed to match your energy use, complies with local regulations and functions the way the installer intends to prevent damage to the system. All of that is achieved through defining the proper grid profile.

How to use the hoymiles 2-in-1 vs 4-in-1 microinverters to increase efficiency

September 10 , 2024
Best Practices
Solar Energy

When it comes to microinverters, are you used to using a 1-in-1 device, which doesn’t require much thought or planning? What if you could increase efficiency and cost-effectiveness by utilizing 2-in-1 and 4-in-1 microinverters? This requires being a bit more strategic about your microinverter placement – but it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Simplify solar installs with the k2 systems cross rail micro inverter and optimizer mounting kit

HOW TO INSTALL THE K2 CROSSRAIL MLPE BOLT

BENEFITS OF THE K2 CROSSRAIL MLPE BOLT

LEARN MORE ABOUT SOLAR INSTALLER SERVICES AND SOLUTIONS

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